More Than Comics: Finding Community at Stronghold Collectibles

Nick Cline

Sep 30, 2026

Celebrating Comics and the Art Community

Since the dawn of human consciousness, we have been storytellers. This innate drive to share and record our experiences has carried our faiths, our dreams, and our very sense of being. Across the centuries, storytelling has formed the foundation of culture and civilization—shaping values, inspiring change, and connecting generations. We have music, myths, legends, stories of fantastical realities, and stories of ourselves—covering everything under the sun and beyond. Through these creative expressions, we weave the fabric of our collective identity.

One major outlet of human storytelling in our day-to-day lives is the comic book industry. The comic book industry has existed for nearly 200 years, with its modern format flourishing for about a century. Since its inception, comics have provided an outlet for fantastical realities, comedy, darkness, and a vast range of human expression. These illustrated stories reflect our hopes, fears, and imaginations, offering not just entertainment, but also commentary on society and reflections on the human condition.

Stronghold Collectibles is located at 2508 Johnston St Suite A & R, Lafayette, LA 70503. — Credit: Nick Cline

Comic books have been a major part of my life since I was about four years old, when I watched Teen Titans and X-Men on TV every morning before school. Those animated adventures sparked my fascination with superheroes and storytelling, eventually leading me to discover the comic books that inspired these shows. My love of comics and the artistry behind them has only grown stronger over the years, shaping my appreciation for both visual and written narratives.

This love of comics and the art form has led me to today's topic. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the co-founder of Stronghold Collectibles, Jason Strong, to talk all things comics, upbringing, and the future of the medium and other media with A.I. on the rise.

Jason Strong has loved comics for almost his entire life. He recalls collecting comics as a kid, flipping them by selling issues out of his backpack and locker at school—a passion that eventually blossomed into opening his own shop. His love of storytellers and their art runs deep, shaping his business and personal philosophy. In every phrase he spoke during our conversation, you could see and feel the love and appreciation for the medium.

My favorite part of the conversation was the discussion of the rise of A.I. and its threat to, and connection with, the art world.

"Humans are by nature storytellers."

This quote from Jason Strong has stuck with me since our discussion. This simple truth about our being can be summed up as a natural need to convey emotion through story and art.

Humans adapt. Humans create. Humans progress. These are the core human values. We create the world we exist within. Jason's conversation points on the advancement of artificial intelligence touched on many different avenues of discussion, but they can all be summed up in one quote.

"Humans are storytellers that are influenced by so much around us. We naturally create what is true to us. A.I. can create, but it is not a creation. It is rehashed and unoriginal. It's a copy-and-paste form of engagement that mocks human creative nature."

Art is, at its core, a deeply human endeavor. While other avenues, like artificial intelligence, can generate content, as Strong pointed out, this is not the same as true creation. A genuine artistic work is original and infused with life in every stroke, word, color, and intention—reflecting the unique perspective, emotion, and soul of its creator.

The shortcuts enabled by the creative use of A.I. present a slippery slope—one that can easily spiral out of control. When convenience replaces human intention, the result can be a vacuum of laziness, mediocrity, and a lack of true artistic expression. This threatens to dilute the value of genuine creativity and undermine dedicated artists' work.

Strong maintains a firm policy against using A.I.-generated art in his establishment because he believes it robs artists of opportunities to add their personal touch and deprives them of much-needed financial support for their creations and work. By prioritizing authentic, human-made art, he aims to protect the medium's integrity and support the artists at its heart.

At the end of the day, Jason Strong strongly admires the comic medium and the broader art world. Stronghold Collectibles is a gracious, diverse establishment that supports and cares for the art world in many ways. The admiration for the human condition of creation is at the core of what they stand for.

I am grateful for my conversation with Jason Strong, and I highly recommend anyone in the area to check out Stronghold Collectibles. It is a great establishment that truly shows passion and care for comics, collectibles, and more.

Stop by to support local businesses and creators. Stronghold Collectibles is located at 2508 Johnston St Suite A & R, Lafayette, LA 70503.

Visit their website here:

Stronghold Collectibles